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Be satisfied that the client has the authority and resources to commission the work.

Appreciate the background to the proposal and understand its scope.

Be satisfied that they have the experience and competence to undertake the work.

Be satisfied that the office has the necessary finance, staff, and other resources.

Be satisfied that the proposal will not conflict with any relevant codes of professional conduct, other commissions and commitments in the office and the policy of the practice.

The architect must consider their position in relation to any other architect who may have been involved in the same scheme. An employer can offer the commission to whomever they wish to obtain alternative schemes, however the architect must ensure that they act fairly in their dealings with other architects. An architect who is approached by a potential client in connection with a project with which another architect has already been concerned has a duty to inform the other architect of their involvement.

It is essential that any arrangement between the architect and their client is recorded in writing, even at the earliest stages of a commission.

It is in the interests of both the architect and the client that they fully understand the agreement.

It is imperative that all staff working on the project understand clearly the limits of the services that the practice is contracted to perform on the project. This can mitigate the risks of producing abortive work and not complying with professional Codes.

It is important for the client to know exactly what services are being provided so that their expectations can be managed and met by the architect.

Bespoke forms of appointment drafted by the clients solicitors/produced by the client can potentially increase the liability of the architect.

Bespoke forms need to be carefully examined with appropriate advice from professional indemnity insurers and legal advisers.

The appointment document/agreement should;

define and record the services to be provided

state the obligations of each party

identify the associated terms and conditions

set out the fee proposal, method for calculating the fee and method of payment

The appointment document must state that individual architects are required to be registered with the ARB, and are subject to its Code and to the disciplinary sanction of the ARB in relation to complaints of unacceptable professional conduct or serious professional incompetence.

The architect should write to the client advising them of their responsibilities under the CDM 2015 regulations.

The architects may also wish to refer to any additional services they are able to provide (this may incur an additional fee).